Deciding to leave home to go to rehab is a big decision, especially if you are going to a facility that is far away from your hometown.

While being away from your friends and family can be daunting, you are making the right decision for your future as well as those closest to you.

Why Rehab Away from Home is a Good Option

Although you may be worried about getting homesick during substance abuse treatment, going to rehab away from home is a good choice for a lot of people. Your normal environment and hometown are filled with people, places, and things that trigger and perpetuate your addiction. Addiction recovery is about separating yourself from these problematic triggers so you can focus on your recovery. A new and controlled environment away from home is also free of unnecessary distractions that could hinder your progress.

How to Cope with Homesickness in Rehab

For many people in residential addiction treatment programs, homesickness is just another part of the recovery process, but it shouldn’t be a hurdle that interferes with your treatment progress. If you worry about missing home, these tips on how to deal with homesickness in rehab might be able to help.

Call Your Loved Ones

Communication may be limited during certain phases of treatment like intensive inpatient programs, but if you have the ability to call your loved one, do it. You may be surprised to find out just how much hearing their voice could boost your mood and encourage you to continue your recovery journey.

Write Letters

If personal visits are not allowed and other communication is limited, letters are a good alternative. Not only can you reach out to the people back home to help you feel less homesick, but also, writing letters can be therapeutic. It may help you work out your feelings or tell your loved one something that you were struggling to say aloud.

Bring Mementos

While every rehab packing list is different, generally you cannot use your cellphone or laptop while in treatment.  You can bring some personal mementos or photos that remind you of home. Your focus should be on getting sober, so just bring a few mementos to get you through the tough times.

Listen to Music

At Banyan Treatment Centers, we limit the use of certain electronics, but you can bring an iPod that does not have internet capabilities. Create a playlist before you come to treatment that reminds you of better days with loved ones or being at home.

Make New Friends

You are likely struggling with homesickness in rehab because you are feeling lonely. You may not have your normal support group there to lean on, but you do have a team of rehab professionals and a group of people dealing with similar struggles there to support you. Focus on connecting with the people around you, they may become a valuable part of your long-term recovery when treatment is over.

Remind Yourself It’s Not Forever

A few weeks away from home is worth it if you get a lifetime of sobriety. While dealing with homesickness during addiction treatment may seem overwhelming at times, it is important to remind yourself why you are there in the first place and to remember that your time away from home is only temporary.

Knowing how to deal with homesickness in rehab in advance could make a big difference in your recovery. Take the first step to changing your life for the better.

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If you are ready to begin treatment or just want to learn more, call us today at 888-280-4763.